Easily out of breath

The other day I rushed home from work, changed and hopped on my bike .  We live one block off a bike

route.  There are several bike routes around Vancouver.   North to South and then East to West.   Lots of valuable info here .   You can download the map here .    Here I am crossing a major artery and for bikes, you can control the signal lights to cross by pushing the button

Soon I find myself at Queen Elizabeth Park more info  here2  

I'm not used to all of this exercise so I stop to rest.  It was uphill nearly all the way

In most of our parks, you are not allowed to ride your bike so when I see other people I dismount and walk

This is the highest point in Vancouver.  This is where our drinking water reservoir is located,  underneath where I am standing.   At one time it was a large man made lake with a fence around.   The City decided to put on a cement cover for a parking lot and then install this water feature

In the background you will notice the Bloedel Conservatory.   Inside are many varieties of flowers and birds flying around.   It is an inside tropical garden  (info here3)    Not long ago it was going to close due to lack of interest but now the City has decided to refurbish the dome at a cost of Millions of $$

I can help myself.  When I see water I just have to play in it

The water sprays different patterns . . .   and I believe there are also lights which can be turned on in the evenings

    My version of a Selfie

Hard to believe that not more than 2 months ago I could hardly walk.   All seems nearly normal now but I do take it easy and take care to not stress myself .        NO, these are not my shoes.  

See,  I'm not alone in shedding my shoes

There she is on the other side in the stunning, orangish dress with the high slit  (not that I was paying that much attention)

I ride over to the other side of the Bloedel Conservatory and you can see Downtown Vancouver in the distance.   At one time you could drive up here and watch the "submarine" races .  Ah,  the good old days

Vancouver is surrounded by mountains on the North.   It is hard to get lost here.  You are taught from a young age that the mountains = North

Queen Elizabeth Park  (QE park for short) is known for their gardens.   It is built on an old volcanic crater.   This is the sunken garden

Sort of has that Butchart Gardens feel . . .

It's been a while since I have been on the lower level

Here, at the top there is that pedestrian bridge which goes over a small creek, which then waterfalls down to the bottom

There are also many flowers which I noticed were recently planted

This sculpture looks like a piece of white cheese

and I was not the only one enjoying the view

This is another garden looking towards the East

And I met some new friends today . . .

not very talkative though . . .  but I think they liked my bike